Special Kettle award honours granted to Bazooka Company’s Tony Jacobs
NCSA recognises Tony Jacobs, President and CEO of The Bazooka Company (right of pic), , LLC, with the 2025 Kettle Award, as well as separate honours for Sean Oomens, expert scientist with Ferrar. Pic: NCSA
The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) has confirmed Tony Jacobs, president and CEO of The Bazooka Company, LLC, with the 2025 Kettle Award for his significant services to the wider industry, reports Neill Barston.
Notably, the presentation was made at a special ceremony this week at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis amid the Sweets & Snacks Expo event.
It also saw Sean Oomens, scientific expert at Ferrara Candy Company, gain the organisation’s inaugural IMPACT Award, which has been newly created to celebrate major contributions in operations, research and development, manufacturing, supply chain, or similar fields in the confectionery industry.
The accolade recognises a particular effort, event, invention, patent, or achievement that stands out for its significance in the candy category.
“It’s incredibly special to work in an industry that brings joy to so many people every single day,” said Jacobs. “What makes it even more unique is the talent of the people in it. Looking around this room, I see extraordinary leadership, creativity, passion — and the rare ability to compete and collaborate in ways that lift the entire industry. It’s truly an honor to be recognized by such an amazing group.”
With nearly 30 years of experience, Jacobs has been a driving force in the confectionery industry. For the past 11 years, he has led Bazooka Candy Brands to significant growth, tripling its bottom line and more than doubling its size.
He has strengthened manufacturing and supply chain capabilities while driving marketing and product innovation, helping Bazooka expand into new categories and channels. Jacobs has also served on the National Confectioners Association board for the past decade and supports government relations efforts.
“We are proud to recognise Tony Jacobs and Sean Oomens for their outstanding contributions to the confectionery industry,” said Audra Vogler, NCSA Vice-President and Kettle Committee Liaison.
“Tony’s leadership has driven remarkable growth and innovation at Bazooka Candy Brands, while Sean’s food science expertise has brought the award-winning NERDS Gummy Clusters to life. Their dedication and passion continue to shape the industry, and we are thrilled to celebrate their achievements.”
Notably, the Kettle Award were established in 1946 by industry publisher Don Gussow. Each year, the Kettle Awards Committee selects an individual for their dedication to confectionery manufacturing and operations, superior achievement in education and personnel training, energy and environmental contributions, quality advancement, production and plant improvement, and research and product development.
Speaking at this week’s event, Oomens said: “Ferrara’s InTech team — along with Consumer Insights, Manufacturing and Engineering, Marketing and so many more — together truly are the Dream Team, making sugary dreams come to life for our consumers, and fulfilling our own wild imaginations.”
Sean Oomens has been working in the confectionery industry for nearly 30 years, serving as a product developer and food scientist at Gumtech International, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., The Topps Co., Nestlé and now Ferrara Candy Company. With innovation and renovation as his focus areas, Oomens boasts a background in research and development and manufacturing operations. Most notably, Oomens is credited with leading the development of the award-winning NERDS Gummy Clusters.
The Kettle Awards are supported by the members of The Kettle Club – Adams & Brooks, Inc., The Clair Family and Brown & Haley, Goetze’s Candy Co., Just Born, Inc., PIM Brands, Inc., Sconza Candy Co., and Spangler Candy Co.
